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Khabib Nurmagomedov Lists the Best UFC Lightweights, Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler Do Not Make the List

Published 07/15/2021, 7:09 AM EDT

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Consensus UFC lightweight GOAT Khabib Nurmagomedov sat down with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto in the lead-up to his teammate’s fight. Islam Makhachev takes on Thiago Moises in the main event for UFC Vegas 31 that goes down on July 17. Khabib Nurmagomedov was asked about the aforementioned fight and was also asked to share his views on the state of the lightweight division as a whole.

‘The Eagle’ said that he had no competitive fire to stop Oliveira’s ascent through the lightweight division. Furthermore, he also listed out the fighters who he believed were the cream of the crop at 155-pounds.

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“At that time it was Khabib time, now Charles time. I’m not going to just jump to the media and say Oh I’m going to come back and fight with this guy’, this is not interesting for me. It’s like even if Charles Oliveira gonna beat like Justin Gaethje, Islam, Dustin, this is his time. I’m going to be happy for him.”

“I’m going to send congratulations [to] Charles. You’re doing very good job, like he have right now 8 win streak, he beat a lot of good guys most of them he finished them. He’s good, he’s very impressive. I think when he was losing at that time, back in the days in the UFC, I think it was not his prime mentally…..Right now prime time, Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier. These guys on prime time right now and these guys I really believe are best of the world right now.”

Does Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler deserve a spot at the top?

Khabib Nurmagomedov unsurprisingly left out Conor McGregor from the list despite the fact that he held the undisputed title. However, given that McGregor is 1-3 in his last four lightweight fights, Nurmagomedov isn’t the only one writing him off.

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via Reuters

As for Michael Chandler, his recent loss to Oliveira at UFC 262 was seen as a huge setback in his career. Given his advanced years in the sport fighting the very best, many feel that ‘Iron’ Mike’s best days are behind him.

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Let us know what you think of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s lightweight Mount Rushmore in the comments below.

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Written by:

Darryl Pinto

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Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.
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